Belgium
Front pageNo breakthrough on Friday as senior ministers take the ten-billion-euro talks into the weekend
The inner cabinet again went through the notes attached to the budget table without a major step forward; a deal is needed by Tuesday to avoid an emergency budget.
5 sources · VRT NWS, La Libre, De MorgenFinance inspectors said no, yet the justice ministry helped pay for Verlinden's costly UN trip
A business-class flight from New York to Abu Dhabi cost 11,500 euros; her office calls her attendance essential, while the opposition is asking questions.
4 sources · VRT NWS, La Libre, De MorgenProsecutor sees Nainggolan as a money launderer rather than a drug dealer and seeks two years
At the trial of a cocaine ring in Brussels, prosecutors also want a 105,000-euro fine for the former Red Devil; his lawyers will plead for acquittal on 13 November.
4 sources · VRT NWS, Bruzz, La Libre +Welfare centres give a cool reception to Van Bossuyt's circular on benefit claimants' readiness to work
The minister lists when someone is insufficiently willing to work and says the approach has been too lax for too long; the federations of welfare centres see no added value and regret the lack of consultation.
4 sources · Bruzz, La LibreBirth grant for the eldest child only? Council of State sees a possible clash with the constitution
Its opinion on Flemish cuts to the Groeipakket child benefit is sharp; the opposition and the Gezinsbond family organisation are urging the Diependaele government to rethink its plans.
4 sources · VRT NWS, De Morgen, Gezinsbond